A/N: You think you can just release a whole XCOM game out of nowhere Firaxis and that I wouldn't immediately adapt it? Ha, think again. Yes, I wrote this one day after Chimera Squad was announced. It actually fit in pretty well with some things I already had planned.
And if you were wondering, I have a few hours in the game itself now. Pretty good so far!
- Xabiar
XCOM | Organizations
The Chimera Division
"You know, when they called us the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit, I don't really think this was what they meant."
- Blake Harkin, XCOM Battle Medic
XCOM Division Proposal 05
Proposing Author: The Commander of XCOM
Division Name: The Chimera Division
Proposed Division Overview: Over the course of the war, XCOM has made a point to harness the potential capabilities, experience, and benefits of alien defectors or captives. Without alien knowledge and support, Humanity is simply incapable of waging a war of this type and scale for a sustained period.
XCOM has, over recent months, continued to recruit and expand alien talent, drawn from the pool of defectors to ADVENT, who have released dozens of high-value alien defectors for our usage as the Congress of Nations, AEGIS Division, and ADVENT High Command determine how best to integrate aliens into their own operations.
Until more concrete usages are developed beyond civilian integration, the pool of defectors - as well as cleared Nulorian - exist as an untapped resource. The most accepted usage of alien defectors is for research and scientific purposes, which AEGIS is currently working to get into pilot programs within ADVENT Engineering and Research and Development, but the number of aliens who qualify is low due to the majority of defectors being soldiers of various ranks and experiences. Using them in different roles is not maximizing their capabilities.
The purpose of the proposed Chimera Division will be to successfully integrate veteran alien soldiers into the XCOM roster, taking advantage of their experience and unique physiological capabilities that Humans cannot replicate throughout the XCOM Military Division and XCOM Intelligence.
Proposed Division Justification: In speaking with multiple alien defectors and Nulorian, it is clear that enough of them are willing to participate in direct combat actions against the Ethereal Collective. The reasons for each vary, but there is little reason to believe that they are harboring ill intentions, and most are willing to undergo the required modifications to participate in such operations.
More practically put, there is an untapped reserve of alien combatants ranging from the Runianarch, the Lurianian, the Cobrarian Serpens Unit, and Oyariah Titans. This presents a diverse and useful skill-set which neither XCOM nor ADVENT currently utilize, though ADVENT is conceptualizing potential roles for alien soldiers. Purposefully integrating aliens into combat operations would continue to augment XCOM capabilities and expand our roster.
Furthermore, seeing aliens in operation within XCOM will have the added psychological benefits of cementing the loyalty of alien defectors, as well as counter messaging by the Collective that Humanity seeks to dominate alien life and regulate them as lesser.
ADVENT will likely seek to also capitalize on this narrative. We should work with them to perform joint messaging pointed towards encouraging additional defections or even to simply shake morale. This can be especially potent on alien worlds such as Vitakar, which has distorted views of the war, and Humanity as a whole.
Proposed Division Integration: Aliens, who should be referred to as Chimera Operatives for the remainder of the document, will be integrated into combat operations on a gradual basis, both to gather data and feedback from smaller samples before mass expansion, and to gradually introduce aliens into squad battle tempos and rhythms.
Soldier corps will likely have some skepticism or hostility, both because of the novelty of the idea and, more relevantly, personal negative experiences with aliens, which have built overt or subconscious bias against aliens. While prejudice against aliens has seen reduction due to the gradual integration of alien personnel into XCOM, soldiers can move about their daily lives with no alien integration. This would not necessarily be the case if they are placed into a squad with Chimera Operatives, and we should be cognizant of this fact.
This potential issue can be resolved by having all soldiers train with Chimera Operatives, and encourage alien-human collaboration activities to more broadly integrate aliens into XCOM life.
Stages of Integrations: There will be steps during the process of recruiting and training Chimera operatives, as detailed below:
Screening: Aliens which express an interest in participating in the Chimera Division will first have to undergo a battery of psychological tests similar to ones Human XCOM soldiers take prior to recruitment into XCOM. These will be tailored to and engineered with xenopsychologists to ensure the results acquired are accurate. ADVENT has developed some initial tests, which we have adapted and expanded upon for our own use.
Alien operatives must not only integrate with and learn from Humans, but also other alien races. This provision is more applicable to Nulorian recruits due to many of them holding hostile beliefs about certain races or those with non-Nulorian backgrounds. Any underlying mental conditions should also be identified at this point, or inclinations which would render them unable to participate in combat.
Training and Deployment: Prior to direct integration, soldiers will participate in training sessions with Chimera operatives, both in and outside of the Dreamscape, for more seamless integration. Once competence has been established, the following stage will include deployments. These missions should not involve advanced assignments, and should be done with soldiers who are sympathetic to aliens and lack unconscious prejudice.
These limited deployments will continue until it is proven that Chimera Operatives can fully synchronize within XCOM squads. Once successful, more widespread integration will occur. However, it should be noted that there will be no Chimera-majority squad. The maximum number of Chimera Operatives in squads will be three.
Additionally, all Chimera Operatives must be psionically screened, pass a psychological evaluation, receive anti-treason Manchurian Restraints, and undergo genetic modification to bring them to the physical level required of an XCOM soldier.
Proposed Division Organization: The Chimera Division will be organized into two distinct sub-divisions. This decision is unique in that each sub-division is subordinate to different parent divisions, but both are still acknowledged under the umbrella of the Chimera Division.
Combat Operations: This will comprise the backbone of the Chimera Division, which is what all alien soldiers will be classified as. Chimera Operatives in this sub-division will participate in combat operations and training, and be able to hold ranks related to such. It should be noted that Chimera Operatives can be assigned as Squad Overseers if they show the initiative and capability to do so.
The Chimera Division – Combat Operations is subordinate to, and exists within, the XCOM Military Division.
Research Operations: The secondary component of the Chimera Division will be devoted to research and development as it relates to armor, technology, genetic modification, and other subjects, which specifically relate to alien psychology, physiology, and unique factors of aliens and how to enhance, augment, or otherwise exploit them for optimal usage in combat operations.
Both Humans and aliens will be able to work within Research Operations. However, though Research Operations should largely be led by Chimera Researchers following the initial wave of Chimera equipment produced under Dr. Mercado and Dr. Vahlen. Any relevant findings or data will be shared with the wider XCOM Research and Development, and it is anticipated that it could lead to breakthroughs and developments which might otherwise not exist.
The Chimera Division – Research Operations is subordinate to, and exists within XCOM Research and Development.
Proposed Division Management: Management will be divided into three roles. One role for Combat Operations, another for Research Operations, and an overall manager who reports directly to the Internal Council. There are proposed candidates for each of these positions based on commissioned profiles. These may change in the future.
Combat Operations: One of the aliens to repeatedly request the right to join combat operations was Rava'xarian'hegemon, the former Ravager of the Hegemony. Based on observation, interviews, and capabilities, he is uniquely suited to working with integrating aliens into XCOM combat operations, and his fierce loyalty to Aegis in particular makes him more than willing to follow XCOM directives and orders with little concern for insubordination. He is also known to the other defectors, and the placement of an Oyariah into such a role would showcase how XCOM incorporates all aliens into relevant positions, not ones we are biased towards.
Research Operations: Quite a few alien scientists and engineers qualify for this position, but it is recommended that Sci'calintha'valian be elevated as the main overseer of Research Operations. In addition to her joining the first wave of defections, she has been heavily involved in various projects within XCOM Research and Development, specifically related to plasma weaponization and tuning. Dr. Vahlen supports this assessment and her credentials are solid.
A secondary reason is that Calintha is uniquely suited to be a bridge between Chimera and more skeptical Humans. She has a unique aptitude to synchronize,integrate, and work with Humans regardless of background, and her ongoing romantic relationship to a human colleague serves as a symbolic sign of integration and acceptance we are trying to promote.
Chimera Management: For the current time, it is most beneficial that Aegis manage the Chimera Division. In the future this position would be held by a non-Ethereal, but Aegis holds significant influence over the alien defectors, and his place in such a position may encourage more aliens to join and augment our forces as a result. More importantly, Aegis is seen as a trustworthy figure and will face little to no skepticism, unlike if we elevated a qualified, but otherwise unknown figure to this position. His spot on the Internal Council would provide reassurance that they would now have a powerful voice. Aegis should hold this position until Chimera Operatives become universally accepted, or a uniquely suited individual emerges which justifies elevation.
XCOM Project File 1007
Project Codename: "Spliced Thread"
Project Type: Armor; Weaponry; Ground Support
Unit Designation(s): "Chimera Operatives"
Authors: Dr. Kong Mercado, Head of XCOM Engineering; Dr. Moira Vahlen, Head of XCOM Research and Development
Overview: With the formation of the Chimera Division and gradual integration of aliens into combat operations, it requires the design, modification, and expansion of XCOM's current arsenal, which is currently not fully suited for usage by non-Human soldiers. This project is intended to kickstart the initiative. Further developments will be handled by the Research Operations sub-division within the Chimera Division.
This will cover armor adaption and the psychological considerations we had to address, which applies to weaponry as well as armor. Genetic modifications and other gear which can uniquely take into account alien physiology and attributes are also covered, though these are more theoretical notations and may not be actually implemented as of the completion of this document.
Specific Racial Proposals: A number of modifications can be applied to Chimera Operatives. Most, if not all, of the current modifications we use on XCOM soldiers now could be applied, due to the species' natural affinity and compatibility with genetic tampering. This genetic malleability allows for multiple opportunities with the consent of the Chimera Operatives.
For almost all current Chimera Operatives, we used the basic framework of existing armor and weapon technology as a starting point, which has been more easily adapted to some races than others. Oyariah and Cobrarians, for example, posed far more difficult challenges. Ethereals are not included due to their low number, and their unique role in XCOM which does not easily fit within the Chimera Division.
These will be broken into a more comprehensive format, one per alien race:
Vitakarian [Vitakara]
Physiology: Of all the alien races, Vitakarians are easily the most similar to us. They possess the same number of limbs, digits, eyes, ears, and other physical characteristics. Where they differ is in their rapid variance in size. This size is wholly dependent on the lifestyle of the Vitakarian, which can lead to massive specimens, and ones which are closer to our own size.
As a general rule, Vitakarians are larger than Humans, with the smallest reaching heights of large Human males. There is also no gender disparity in sizes, meaning females can easily match males in size and strength. However, this issue of size is easily dealt with, due to their similar overall physiology.
Weaponry: A majority of our weapons are capable of being wielded by Vitakarians as they exist, though some sizes may have to be increased for Vitakarian hands. They may also have difficulty using smaller XCOM weapons such as pistols and sniper rifles. Grenades and other weapons which require a moderate amount of motor skill are also poorly optimized for Vitakarian hands.
Armor: Existing XCOM armor is fairly easy to adapt. Vitakarians have the same bipedal physiology of Humans, as mentioned above. This means that Vitakarians can be given a suit of Titan or Warden Armor without significant issue barring procurement and size modification.
Modifications: We have already observed that Vitakarians take far less time to recover from genetic modification, and all observed modifications for Humans are often more potent, require less resources, and complete faster. We believe this is due to their species being unusually adaptive, but a modified Vitakarian is demonstratively more "potent" in terms of modification effectiveness than an equivocally modified Human.
Future Considerations: Due to how easily Vitakarians are to modify, it is recommended that their modifications be routinely checked more often in the event that they begin displaying unintended side effects. Vitakara as a species, but especially Vitakarians, were susceptible to a genetic plague which nearly wiped out their species. We should make every effort to ensure that we do not trigger another one.
Borelian [Vitakara]
Physiology: Borelians are uniquely adapted for both cold weather and war. They are a physically imposing race which on average is taller than male Humans. Fur covers their entire body, with the exception of their face, hands, and feet. Females are larger than males, possess visible incisors, and are notably more aggressive. Also of psychological notation is that they follow strict gender roles (refer to the appropriate file for more applicable information). However, they retain the same bipedal physiology, but more bulky and furry compared to Vitakarians.
Weaponry: In addition to conventional XCOM weapons, grenades, and gear, outfitting Borelians with close-range melee weapons is optimal, as all Borelians are skilled in close-combat, especially with short bladed weapons. Providing MELD-augmented equivalents would augment their lethality at all ranges, which can be derived from Templar models.
Armor: Borelians are similar to Vitakarians in physiology, with the exception of their fur, which requires some modifications to the interior of the Titan armor to prevent overheating. The Runianarch and Lurainian compensated for this issue by leaving parts of their body exposed, such as arms. This solution is not applicable here, and we have adapted Borelian iterations of Titan armor to include strengthened climate-control systems, though this makes the suit heavier as a result.
Modifications: Borelians are - interestingly - the most 'similar' to Humans in that they react to modification much the same as we do. Something extremely interesting while researching how best to modify them was that their eyes are unique in that they are double-lidded, which developed as a means of protecting their eyes during snowstorms, as the inner lid is transparent.
Thanks to experimentation on subjects, we were able to allow the inner lid to also function akin to a magnifying glass or zoom function for the Borelian. This can be used in conjunction with existing ocular modifications. The singular downside is that it proves disorienting for the Borelian if they intend to use it for its intended evolutionary function, but it's usage on the battlefield is extremely potent.
We are also looking to apply the double-lid modification to our Human soldiers. Tests are ongoing.
Future Considerations: We will be monitoring Borelian iterations of Titan and Warden armor to potentially reduce the weight of the armor while also ensuring that climate control is maintained. We will also be working with Borelians to develop specialized melee weapons based on their physiology and strength.
Cobrarian [Vitakara]
Physiology: Cobrarian are among the most 'alien' of the Vitakarian races in terms of physiology. Their lower bodies are reptilian and identical to terran snakes. Even their upper body is alien, which is thin and similar to a snake, with the inclusion of arms with three-fingered hands. Currently, only females have defected due to their overwhelming gender disparity of females to males, which makes development of specialized equipment easier.
Weaponry: A weapon called the 'Venom Spitter" has been developed that takes advantage of their naturally produced venom, which can only be properly exploited if they are modified to produce and export venom (See modification section for details). The weapon functions closest to a shotgun, with the shell filled with venom-filled hollow needles. These needles shatter upon impact, and damage the armor from the acid, as well as potentially poison the target from the noxious fumes.
If properly tuned, the Cobrarian could wear a self-loading augment which automatically fills the shells with venom, in the event that ammunition is depleted. This gauss-based weapon does not hold many rounds, though shells are easy to produce. The only unique element is the substance which fills the needles.
Due to the success of this weapon, we are looking to expand the concept to other elements unrelated to the Chimera Division.
Armor: Cobrarians have been the hardest challenge of this project due to their physiology being completely different. The most applicable armor to modify was the Warden. It was not difficult to adapt from the waist-up to the Cobrarian form. A specialized helmet was designed that allows for the mouth to be opened to account for the racial capability of biting and venom dispensing.
The lower body was the most difficult, as it needed to be protected in some way, without compromising Cobrarian mobility. The result turned out better than we could have anticipated, as instead of flexible armored plates over the body and tail, the idea was put forward to be able to mechanize the armor plating and augment the natural close-range constricting capabilities of the Cobrarian.
Now at close range, a Cobrarian can constrict a target and activate a feature in the suit which will provide mechanical pressure to the constriction, effectively functioning as a mobile hydraulic press. This in conjunction with genetic modification has been shown to crush Mutons, much less weaker enemies like Vitakara or Sectoids. It should be noted that this armor significantly slows Cobrarians, and a lighter variant is being developed, though will offer less protection.
Modifications: The Cobrarians actually present several unique modification opportunities. The first is a slightly altered muscle-fiber density modification that drastically strengthens the muscles in the body and tail, allowing for far greater constriction strength, which if used in conjunction with the armor, is something few enemies would be capable of withstanding. Cobrarian physiology is uniquely suited to incorporate the Stinger modification at the end of their tail, in a far more natural way than how it is applied to Humans and bipedal aliens.
Other modifications center around their naturally produced venom. On its own, the venom is weak unless directly injected through the fangs, but it can be spat and used as a distraction. We have taken a Zararch modification as baseline for one means of harnessing this – Cobrarian Zararch operatives have the venom sac modified, and the result is a poison closer to an acidic gas. This was experienced by our soldiers early in the war, and there is little reason why we cannot also apply it here.
Taking this same concept, we believe it is possible to drastically increase the output of the venom sac, and direct the output to a cybernetic siphoning tool which could store the venom for later use. Applications to augment additional XCOM weapon systems are ongoing.
Future Considerations: One proposal which has not yet entered the testing stages is one which directly augments the fangs themselves, both to increase penetration and lethality. It is currently on hold due to logistical issues, as well as insufficient proof that the modification would be effective in the field.
Oyariah [Vitakara]
Physiology: Oyariah are similar in size to Borelians, but while they are covered in fur, Oyariah appear to be covered in stone, which serves as their natural protection and unique racial attribute. Oyariah are the strongest of all Vitakarian races on average, and extremely resistant to most weapons, chemicals, and diseases. They are similar in physiological shape to Humans, but their armored skin makes fitting them with armor problematic.
Weaponry: In addition to being able to handle most XCOM weapons, Oyariah warhammers and shields can be augmented to be more lethal or durable than their original equivalents through the adaption of Templar technology.
Armor: We initially considered adapting the Titan Armor to Oyariah similarly to the Borelians and Vitakarians, but realized that due to the already durable nature of Oyariah 'skin', it would have made the suit overly bulky and not complement how most Oyariah prefer to fight.
This was solved by the development of the Skeleton Framework Armor, which, instead of acting as a hardsuit of armor, functions as an augment to the Oyariah's natural durability. Taking the powered skeletal framework of the Titan Armor, the Skeleton Armor is fastened onto the Oyariah. When powered on augments, their speed is improved and allows them to act as a greater force multiplier in melee combat. It is less power-intensive, less invasive, and accomplishes the objective of enhancing the Oyariah without mitigating natural advantages.
Modifications: Oyariah are surprisingly modifiable, and each one is already inherently modified to be able to handle light, as Oyariah are naturally blind. While some modifications are largely pointless, such as Iron Skin, modifications concerning the plates themselves are ripe for exploitation. The most obvious is directly controlling the natural growth of the plate. Oyariah plates will never truly stop growing, though they will slow as the Oyariah gets older.
Through modification, plate growth could be accelerated, reduced, or modified to somewhere in-between. This could lead to Oyariah being able to quickly regrow plates lost in battle, or bypass plate maintenance in the interim. This is less of a permanent modification as a bio-modification therapy that could be applied to the plates. The plates themselves could also be made stronger than they already are, though their toughness is already exceptional.
Another option for Oyariah is battle-regenerative plates, which could 'freeze' the plate order and style of the Oyariah in place, stopping growth completely. Whenever the body loses any of the mass, it will regrow it through MELD. This requires the implementation of MELD reservoirs, but could prove lifesaving on the battlefield. We expect this to be utilized by some Oyariah.
Future Considerations: A piece of gear which can be created specifically for the Oyariah is a specialized med-kit which could repair Oyariah plates as they currently are barely affected by standard med-kits. Beyond this, further augmentation of Oyariah plates is an open question which is intended to be pursued.
Transcript of XCOM Soldiers discussing incorporating aliens in combat operations:
[Cassandra Rivera]: "I didn't really think I'd see the day."
[Rouvin Gould]: "Neither did I, but hey, it could be worse."
[Yuhan Song]: "Still weird, though."
[RG]: "A little bit. Kind of."
[CR]: "It does take a little mental gymnastics to look at the ruthless anti-alien paramilitary and say 'Yes, sign me up.'"
[RG]: "Eh. Not quite as extreme. They just want to hurt the Collective."
[CR]: "I know. Still a little ironic, though."
[YS]: "I mean, I'd feel a bit odd if I was actively helping enforce a clear Human agenda and I was an alien."
[CR]: "Then again…Patricia."
[YS]: "True."
[RG]: "Give them a chance. They're not bad soldiers."
[CR]: "I'm sure they aren't. Still, not sure I want an alien watching my back. Vetted or not, I can't say I'm on board with all of it."
[YS]: "They getting Restraints?"
[RG]: "Obviously."
[CR]: "That's something. Still, it's one thing to have them living and contributing here. Seems different when lives are on the line."
[RG]: "Trust me, I somehow doubt the Commander was going to let this happen if he wasn't confident of it. We've got aliens who want to fight here – why not use them?"
[CR]: "Fair point, I guess. Still going to be a shift to seeing an alien in the field and not immediately moving to kill it. Aegis and Caelior being the exception, obviously."
[YS]: "I don't think any alien is stupid enough to try something against us. Otherwise it's to Vahlen they go."
[RG]: "Or being given to the Shoggoths as a plaything."
[CR]: "You been in an op with them, Rou?"
[RG]: "Not yet, but I talked with some guys who had. Went pretty well. Got a Borelian for theirs. She just followed orders, shot some aliens, and did her job. Seriously, I think it can work. Just gotta give them a chance."
[YS]: "I suppose. Guess I should take a trip to Paperclip at some point if we're going to be getting new xeno comrades."
[CR]: "Like it or not, it's going to be coming. Suppose we should get used to it. Hope the Commander knows what he's doing."
[RG]: "Oh, I think he does. What happened with Patricia won't happen again. That's for sure."
Harbinger Trask,
As the conflict once more continues to escalate, it is prudent that we acknowledge the modifications that ADVENT and XCOM are employing in force. It has been known for some time that ADVENT has been steadily moving towards a smooth integration of alien defectors into civilian life within ADVENT. But to our knowledge, this has not extended to combat operations, both because the number of aliens who could provide a notable manpower advantage is too small, as well as lingering concern regarding trust.
XCOM has taken a different approach.
Beginning in multiple operations following the Destruction of Lagos, we have seen multiple instances of XCOM forces being augmented with various alien defectors, all of them different Vitakara races. Up until this point, Aegis and Caelior were the only aliens which had openly fought on behalf of XCOM or another Human authority.
These integrations are limited in scope, with them only making up one or two members in an XCOM Squad, if that. However, they do exist. Like other XCOM terminology, the aliens have been put into their own class – Chimera. It is unknown how long XCOM has been working to prepare for this, but it has clearly reached a point where they are capable of deploying Chimera units, and we should work to understand their capabilities.
EXPANDED ALIEN COMBAT USAGE: Right now, the full scope of what XCOM intends for Chimera units to achieve is unknown, outside of their standard combat roles. XCOM has tended to tailor Chimera loadouts for the alien in question. Borelians are equipped with heavier equipment and fulfill similar roles as they would in the Lurianian and Runianarch, a heavy infantry bulwark.
The few Cobrarian who have been integrated appear to have fulfilled rapid-positioning roles and marksman loadouts. Vitakarians are outfitted depending on their physiology, which can change based on weight, height, and experience. Oyariah are effectively treated as an extension of the Templars. There have been no recorded instances of Dath'Haram or Sar'Manda being seen in XCOM combat operations.
It is feasible to acknowledge that XCOM will likely expand this roster if it becomes applicable, especially for sympathetic Andromedons. This will likely be impossible to implement for Sectoids and Mutons for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, this will give XCOM an additional reserve of manpower, and augment their operations for the foreseeable future.
EXPANDED XCOM RECRUITMENT OF ALIENS: It has been apparent for some time that multiple alien defectors had been covertly moved from ADVENT to XCOM, through some arrangement between the two organizations. Based on the data, this included highly experienced and specialized defectors, while leaving ADVENT with the less 'useful'.
As a result of the creation of this Chimera Division within XCOM, it is very possible that XCOM will seek additional alien defectors, as ADVENT shows no plans for putting them into front-line combat or even auxiliary roles. XCOM will be more inclined to take 'risks' on aliens, since they are almost certainly ensuring loyalty with the Manchurian Restraints.
We will need to observe this closely.
LIKELY PROPAGANDA USAGE: It should come as no surprise that both ADVENT and XCOM will seek to exploit this new development. XCOM in particular will both openly and quietly signal this as a sign of XCOM's openness to alien soldiers, and willingness to integrate and embrace them.
This is going to be further augmented with both Human AIs working to design, encourage, or create narratives surrounding the situation. As of now XCOM has not publicly acknowledged the Chimera soldiers, but images have been 'leaked' which show Chimera soldiers very clearly fighting with XCOM, which has taken the internet by storm, and drawn universal praise.
ADVENT has also signaled they are aware of the Chimeras by releasing multiple statements celebrating the integration of aliens through AEGIS, and highlighting the work the organization is doing, as well as emphasizing statements which highlight that 'Our war is against the Ethereal Collective, not the citizen who lives within'.
It is only a matter of time until the program is revealed properly, and there is a very real possibility that, should this spread, it will weaken the morale and resolve of some of the front-line Vitakara. This is a real, concerted effort to dispel the notion that Humans are unreasonable or bigoted against aliens, and it will be seen as such. The AIs will also be working to make sure our soldiers see this, and we cannot count on the CODEX being capable of blocking everything.
POTENTIAL CAPABILITIES AND MODIFICATION: One aspect which should be acknowledged is that we should not assume that any Chimera soldiers encountered in the field are baseline. XCOM themselves are far beyond the scope of a baseline Human, and it follows that any aliens in their ranks would be similarly augmented.
We can likely assume that any Chimera soldiers will have overcome the stigma associated with genetic modification, and the fact that Vitakara are especially malleable means that XCOM could potentially modify them to extents and degrees which are not possible with Humans. There are known Vitakara scientists who are working within XCOM, and will likely be advising them.
These can include, at minimum, modifications which are already applied to Human soldiers. Ones specifically tailored to the physiology of Chimera soldiers could be wholly new, and existing modifications may potentially be more effective than on Humans. From what we have seen of deployed Chimera soldiers, they do not currently seem to be more modified, but they are at least equivalent.
However, one piece of good news is that there will be no additional psions they can recruit, as Vitakara are not psionically sensitive, nor any other Collective species barring the Sectoids, which are a non-factor in this program. Nonetheless, the Chimera soldiers will pose a threat, and they should be considered just as dangerous as any standard XCOM soldier.
- Zar'Chon'ravarian'vitiary